Nurse Leader Recognition

Jose is a prominent expert in case management and working with at-risk populations. Dr. Alejandro was the 15th President (2012-2014) of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses. He is the current Vice President of the National Coalition of Ethnic Minority Nurses Association. Recognized as the “CMSA National Case Manager of the Year 2015” for his work with at-risk populations.

As a professor of nursing for 10 years Ruby has learned to lead by example, so clear from her favorite quote: “Ability is what you're capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.” By Lou Holtz

Reuben Bowie MSN, CDONA

Reuben has an impressive career serving and leading others both as a military nurse and director of nursing at Health Central Park. Her numerous awards are a credit to her work ethic and leadership.

Janegale Boyd’s has been a dedicated nurse leader in the Florida House of Representatives, served on numerous boards, and been a mentor for countless nurses. Her selfless approach and extensive insight makes her well respected in every circle.

Marlly is dedicated to developing nurse leaders. She is an expert in training, facilitating and coaching in areas of clinical learning and leadership. Her work in succession planning for nurse leaders is one of Florida’s top needs in nursing.

Mary’s expertise lies in program development and improvement. Her creativity and willingness to participate in a variety of projects over the years have been a large part of her success. Hearing her passion for being on the cutting edge of healthcare when she speaks is what makes her one of Florida’s amazing nurse leaders.

“Never say never and never give up. Better is just around the corner.”

Kate Callahan AS, BSN, MPA, PhD

For Kate, MLK defined what it means to be a nurse and what she wants to pass on to her students, "An individual has not started living until he/she can rise above the narrow confines of their individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity." MLK (1929-1968)

Linda passionately supports healthy work environments as a linchpin for fostering high quality patient care and optimal patient and nurse/ interdisciplinary team outcomes. She coordinates the development, review and validation of advocacy, policy and liaison activities that impact acute and critical care nurses, patients and families.

The head of Mary Kaye’s graduate school program impressed on all students the importance of living up to our responsibility to our profession and encouraged involvement in our professional organization. Her advice for all nurses is to network with other organization to better understand the issues facing all nursing disciplines.

It took several years working on legislative efforts with the Florida Nurses Association to become the encouraging role model she has been to the students of the Florida Nurses Student Association. Anne is helping others find their passion to run for office.

Marie has changed the lives of the unserved and underserved patients in the Batey (sugarcane fields) in the Dominican Republic. Her leadership is all about being flexible, non-judgemental, and ‘showing up’ when called for action!

Meghan speaks out about health inequities. She values partnering with like-minded people from different fields because there is strength in diversity. She advocates that nurses speak to elected officials, lobbyists and legislative assistants. “Nurses are respected in the community. People want to hear your opinion. Don't be afraid to speak up and speak out!”

Laura GonzalezVP of Programs for INACSL
Past President of FHSA

My role of VP of Programs for INACSL healthcare simulation in the state of Florida and globally allows me to influence policy. Recently elected by my peers for second term; the role of VP of Programs for INACSL is a highly visible position and in such I share best practices and mentor other healthcare providers in the science of simulation with the end goal of improving patient outcomes. Working within the state of Florida on FHSA taught me many things with regards to funding and government issues. This skill set has been invaluable as I work with others to move the healthcare simulation agenda forward.

Jeanette collaborates with other disciplines to improve communication with nurses related to physician research and quality improvement initiatives. She is an ANCC Magnet writer for re-designation submission and is involved in community outreach for youth health initiatives.

Dr. Hubbard has presented at national and international nursing and non-nursing conferences. Various topics that Dr. Hubbard has presented include but are not limited to: rapid response teams, mentoring minority students, recruiting and retaining qualified faculty, mentoring new nursing faculty, and evaluating student performance in the clinical setting.

Vicki Impoco RNPresident of the Brevard Chapter National Organization for Women
Social Media Coordinator, Space Coast Progressive Alliance
Member of the South Brevard Democratic Women’s Club
Member of the ACLU

Vicki has the commitment and sincerity it takes to be a successful nurse leader. Her work with many diverse organizations has been the key to her success.

Dr. Ermalyn KiehlDean of College of Health
University of West Florida

As the inaugural dean of the UWF College of Health, Dr. Kiehl is, “looking forward to working with the local healthcare community in strengthening interprofessional collaborative relationships, and ultimately improving health of the public.”

Mai is passionate about influencing and shaping health policy. Her vision and mission are to advance the nursing profession and to remove practice barriers through nursing unity to improve healthcare access and quality.

Dr. Elizabeth LeFave is passionate about her work with children and about her career in nursing and wants nothing more than to help the advancement of her profession through education, leadership, mentorship and advocacy at all levels.

After being diagnosed and successfully treated for a Central Nervous System Brain Tumor, Anne is using her personal experience to help members of the healthcare team to understand that in order to improve the healthcare system and reign in healthcare costs, we must work together as a team, respect each other’s expertise.

Joanne Masella EdD, MSN, RNPalm Beach Atlantic University, Dean; Professor Nursing Board member and past president of the Florida League for Nursing
FONE Education Committee member
Board member Faith Community Nursing of the Palm Beaches and the Nursing Consortium of South Florida

Joanne has served over a 20 year period in various clinical and education positions. Dr. Masella’s expertise includes topics of caring philosophy in nursing, nursing student retention, and at-risk students in nursing education, with special interest in individualized teaching plans, learning groups, and student and peer mentoring.

Jan Mauck RN, CNORSarasota Memorial Health Care System

Jan’s years of service in nursing began at Sarasota Memorial in 1975. Since then she has served in numerous leadership roles, most recently Chief Nursing Officer. She oversees a nursing organization of over 1,200 nurses and still makes time to work on increasing nursing education levels. Jan is retiring soon from her CNO position but will continue her work leading change in nursing education.

Paige was an exceptional educator and mentor to her students, she is known for being able to find the common human experiences in everyone’s lives. These experiences become our “stories” and allow us to connect with others. In this way we have an amazingly rich environment to foster healthy relationships and grow.

Anna McDaniel PhD, RN, FAANDean and Professor, UF College of Nursing

In addition to her leadership as the Associate Vice-President for Academic-Practice Partnership at UFHealth Shands Hospital, Dean McDaniel serves as the Chair-elect of the Florida Association of Colleges of Nursing, as a reviewer for professional journals and scientific meetings, and as ad hoc member of NIH review panels in her areas of research expertise.

Educated as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, John has more than 30 years of health care experience. He has served as a nurse manager and chief nursing officer, hospital and professional accreditation surveyor, and consultant. He serves on national boards and committees, and presents nationally and internationally on nursing, health care, and leadership topics.

Judith McFetridge-Durdle PhD, RNDean and Professor, College of Nursing
The Florida State University

Judith was appointed dean of the FSU College of Nursing in December 2013. Prior to accepting this position, she served as dean and professor at the Memorial University School of Nursing in Newfoundland, Canada. She has over 23 years of experience in nursing education at the undergraduate and graduate level. Her passion is research and the role of advanced practice nursing in improving cardiovascular outcomes.

Carol Neil PhD, RNProfessor of Nursing at Florida State College at Jacksonville
FL-AC Diversity Council Co-lead
FL-AC Steering Committee

Over the course of her career, Cindy has been actively involved in leadership roles with local, state and national nursing organizations. In 2009, she was inducted as a Fellow of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, in recognition for her contributions in education, practice and policy.

Nancy’s career as a nurse and educator has spanned several decades. She is using her experience to dedicate her time and energy to working with the Florida Action Coalition, leading our Education team in transforming nursing education.

As Magnet Program Director, Leslie wrote applications for 2 hospitals in FL who received Magnet Designation. She is truly committed to bringing excellence to nursing practice and positive, professional working environments for all nurses. Helping to shape the future of the nursing profession!

Claudia Roth BSN, MSPresident at League of Women Voters of Volusia County

Claudia’s ability to look outside of nursing for opportunities enabled her to find community leaders to mentor her. She has been a strong community leader and advocate in her role as president of the LWVVC. She is an expert in advancing LWVVC public policy positions effectively at the state and local levels.

Marcella is working to enhance nurse leaders’ effectiveness in improving the United States health care system. She is an exceptional role model, educating new bachelor-level and practicing nurses in graduate degrees; preparing tomorrows nursing workforces to lead in healthcare. She is currently a member of the Robert Wood Johnson Fellowship of Executive Nurse Scholars.

Marlaine C. Smith PhD, AHN-BC, FAAN

Marlaine believes “nursing is a distinct discipline and that it is important to value and clearly articulate nursing’s unique perspective when working within interdisciplinary teams”.

Marlaine believes that love and caring are what matters most in this world. She feels it is her responsibility as a person and nurse to be loving and caring in her relationships, and these are the qualities that give nurse leaders a solid foundation.

Having role models brought Mary Lou an awareness and understanding of the importance of leadership. Practicing as a CNS first opened her up to leadership in critical care and her openness to taking on new opportunities eventually lead her to a position she had not realized she would love, Dean of UCF College of Nursing.

Sharon Surrency RN, BSN, MPH, FCNExecutive Community Health Nurse at State of Florida

Sharon has a gift of empowering people to fulfill their talents. One of the things she cherishes most is seeing citizens learn to make healthy choices.

Sharon’s advice for aspiring nurse leaders includes, seeking out opportunities and partnerships that may be in other disciplines so that nursing can be more global.

Guillermo is an advocate for the rights and welfare of his colleagues: the nurses, doctors and healthcare professionals. He has a long list of distinguished honors including: the “March of Dimes Nurse of The Year” for Clinical and Academic Education for all of his contributions to professional nursing development, and one of “Great 100 Florida Nurses”.

Kathy’s expertise as a clinical nurse educator commitment to the profession, and passion for leadership are important qualities needed to serve as a leader on a nursing board. Kathy was one of the FCN first board members and is currently Vice-chair of the Florida Board of Nursing.

Stan Whittaker ARNPCalhoun Liberty Hospital, Bay Walk In Emergency Service ARNP
President of Florida Association of Nurse Practitioners
Panama City

Stan has a total of 40 years in the medical field of which 12 years were spent in Independent Practice in Bush, Alaska. Stan works long hours providing care to high need communities. His dedication and hard work extends beyond his patients to fighting for policies that provide the highest quality healthcare for all.

Linda Lacomb-Williams RN, BSN, MPH, LNC, CHES

Linda has enjoyed being a part of the Florida Action Coalition for several years, representing the Florida Public Health Association/Nursing Section. Helping to put into action the ideas developed on the Practice Action. Linda is committed to removing scope of practice barriers.

Meryl has 25 years of clinical service. Her collaboration with physicians and team members, willingness to go above and beyond, and positive attitude make her the kind of leader that will have a lasting impact on nursing.

Would you like to be featured as one of our "Nurse Leaders"? If so, please complete our brief survey and we will be in touch!

Special Recognition

In 2013 and 2015, the Florida Center for Nursing was awarded a Statewide Implementation Grant (SIP) from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, focusing on Promoting Nurse Leadership in the State of Florida.

Corner Office

Our Corner Office features in depth interviews with Florida’s exceptional nurse leaders. Their insight is key to understanding the dedication and wisdom it takes to become an influential community leader. These leaders have served in many volunteer roles which effect and influence health policy statewide. Please join us in recognizing their achievements and share yours with us as well so we can show the wealth of diversity and talent in Florida.

Past Corner Office Leaders

Read about our past Corner Office leaders by selecting their name below.